Did you know that there is only one Blockbuster store in the world still open?
If you grew up in the 90s or early 2000s, you probably remember the thrill of going to a Blockbuster store and browsing through hundreds of movies and video games. You might also remember the disappointment of finding out that the movie you wanted was already rented out, or the annoyance of paying late fees for returning your rentals past the due date.
Blockbuster was once the king of video rental stores, with over 9,000 locations and 60,000 employees at its peak in 2004. But as online streaming services like Netflix became more popular and convenient, Blockbuster’s business model became obsolete. By 2010, Blockbuster filed for bankruptcy and closed most of its stores. By 2019, only one store remained open in Bend, Oregon.
The Bend store became the world’s last Blockbuster in July 2018, after the last stores in Alaska and Australia closed down. It has since attracted visitors from all over the world who want to experience a piece of nostalgia and history. The store also sells merchandise like T-shirts, hats and face masks, all made by local businesses.
The store is managed by Sandi Harding, who has been working there since 2004. She is known as the “Blockbuster Mom” and is the star of a Netflix documentary called “The Last Blockbuster” that was released in March 2021. The documentary shows how Harding and her staff keep the store running despite the challenges of stocking new releases, competing with online services and dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Harding said she has received flowers and calls from people around the world who thank her for keeping the store open. She said she is proud to be part of a community that values nostalgia and real-world interactions.
The Bend store has no plans to close anytime soon. It has a steady lease agreement and loyal customers who support it. Harding said she hopes to keep the store open for as long as possible.
So if you ever find yourself in Bend, Oregon, don’t miss the chance to visit the last Blockbuster on Earth. You might just find your favorite movie or video game from your childhood, or discover something new that you never heard of before. And don’t forget to say hi to Sandi Harding, the woman who keeps the Blockbuster dream alive.